The World Curling has extended the suspension of the national federations of Russia and Belarus from participating in international competitions until the end of the 2024-2025 season.
This decision was made during a World Curling Council meeting in December 2024. It is a continuation of the sanctions imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which have been repeatedly extended due to ongoing Russian aggression. The sanctions will now remain in effect until the end of the 2024-2025 season.
The decision was made in accordance with rule C1(b) of the World Curling, which allows for the suspension of a team or national federation if their presence at events could harm or threaten the safety of participants or disrupt the conduct of competitions.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine welcomes the World Curling decision to continue the exclusion of the Russian and Belarusian federations from international competitions. This is an important step in ensuring fairness in sports and supporting international sanctions aimed at isolating the aggressors.
The Ministry emphasizes the need to continue the suspension of Russian and Belarusian representatives from international competitions as long as the aggressors continue their unprovoked war against Ukraine, which contradicts the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter, ideals of peace, and unity.
Ukraine will continue to cooperate with international sports organizations to strengthen sanctions against the aggressor states and protect Ukrainian athletes on the world stage.
